Poly life may seem overwhelming with so many aspects including studies, CCA, social life, rest, and the list goes on. Time management is key in ensuring that you can make the best use of your time in Poly while avoiding burning out.
Here are 4 quick tips to help you be a pro at time management so that you can achieve a good study-life balance as you journey through Poly.
This article is adapted from Seniors Say, an event where seniors share about how they navigated through poly life. We had the opportunity to hear from Cedrik Lim, a Ngee Ann Polytechnic alumni-cum-entrepreneur and co-founder of uWave Application, to share his time management tips.
1. Use a time management app
Consider using a calendar application to record down assignment deadlines, CCA dates and other commitments! Some useful applications include uWave timetable and Google/Apple calendar! For those who prefer a more old school method, consider using a planner to plan your time. Visualising your blocks of time really helps in time management!
2. Be Prepared for Class
Trust me on this. If you really want to save time, complete your tutorials before class so that you understand what the lecturer is going through and you can clarify your doubts on the spot! Pro-tip is to read through your lecture notes briefly before going for lectures so that you can follow the class instead of frantically flipping your notes and missing key information that your lecturer shares!
3. Be Disciplined
There's no other way around this but a way to better manage your time is to beat procrastination! If you have planned to finish a tutorial or read through a lecture, be disciplined and complete it! For those who struggle with focusing over long periods of time, you can try the Pomodoro technique or use applications like the Forest app (Apple Store/Google Play)to help.
4. Balance is key
Lastly, life isn't just about studying and grades. Do think about what else you will want to do during your 3 years in poly! Consider joining a CCA to make new friends, especially a course-related CCA to meet like-minded people, get career advice and industry experience!
Believe it or not, your 3 years in Poly will fly past in the blink of an eye so effective time management will ensure you can maximize your time in Poly while also taking care of your physical and mental health!
At Poly Parcel, your seniors are here for you! We want to navigate Poly life together with you to make your Poly experience a better one.
Got a question to ask about Poly? Or just need someone to talk to about your worries and problems? Chat with us on Telegram @ cutt.ly/askasenior now!
